Man arrested on suspicion of sexual battery during Southwest flight

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery Thursday after he allegedly inappropriately touched a 16-year-old girl on a flight from Northern California to Burbank, authorities said.

Van Nuys resident Alexander Weber, who was aboard the Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to Bob Hope Airport with his 2-year-old child, was booked about 9 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of misdemeanor sexual battery and later released on $20,000 bond, Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.

The 16-year-old victim and her 12-year-old cousin were returning from Sacramento Thursday afternoon when witnesses informed the crew that Weber made sexual advances and touched the older girl's leg and breast, Ryburn said.

Airport Police Chief Ed Skvarna said several factors played into the investigation: Weber's odd behavior witnessed by the flight crew, the girl was restrained by her seat belt and her attacker was in close proximity.